Collecting a GPX trace
This page demonstrates how to collect a GPX trace using the OsmAnd app on your phone.
OsmAnd (iOS and Android) is a navigation app build on OpenStreetMap that also will record GPX traces if you enable the “Trip recording” plugin.
The demonstration below uses the OsmAnd app for iOS (with some examples from an Android device when things look different).
Initial setup
When you first install and open the app, you’ll see a screen like this:
The first screen will ask you to download a map that corresponds with your current location. This is to allow the app to work offline (without an internet connection). You can skip downloading the map and still record GPS locations, but the app won’t show you a basemap in the background.
If your phone asks apps not to track your location by default, the app might guess the wrong map to download for your current location. In this case, you can tap “Skip Download” on the bottom left corner of the screen.
Then you can search for the map you want to download.
Once you’ve downloaded a basemap, the download button becomes a “Go to the map” button. Tap that button.
You’ll see a map of your current surroundings. On the botton right corner of the map, there will be a little crosshair icon. If you tap that, you’ll get a message asking you to give the app permission to use your location.
Select the option to allow the app to record your location all the time, even when the app is closed.
Tap the little hamburger button on the bottom left corner of the map to open up the side menu.